Belgium – Economic research services – Study on the state of play of building permits for housing in the EU, and potential impact of implementing measures to streamline, shorten and digitalise the process

Streamlining, accelerating, and digitalising the housing permit system is one of the building blocks of the European Strategy for Housing Construction, which DG GROW Unit H1 is developing by Q1 2026. However, very little comprehensive data is available on the current situation in the various Member States. Little is also known about the impact of potential measures. This study is necessary to gain a better understanding of the current situation in the Member States, to understand the measures already implemented there, and to assess their impact on the supply of housing and the competitiveness of the construction sector.